Jim Gibson, a mushroom enthusiast and native Coloradan loves mushrooms and knows quite a bit about the earthy fungus we enjoy. What many persons don’t know including me is that they provide much more than just being an addition to a meal. In a short conversation with Jim we discussed the importance of mushrooms and what I learned was enlightening. What we see above ground is evidence of a small portion of the organism. Most of the action occurs underground, out of sight and out of mind for us. Below is the soil food-web of the mushrooms where decomposition happens: the gathering of water; where medicine and food for other soil organisms occur; which encourages healthy soil. Mushrooms live symbiotically with other plants in their growing area. Depending on the type of species, mushrooms provide medicinal properties that include antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor, anticancer properties. They increase bioavailability of nutrient proteins, vitamins and minerals and for example, shitake is known to be high in Vitamin B. It is Jim’s hope that the growing of mushrooms will be increased in the Denver area. Meanwhile he wants to continue to engage those willing to learn and thus continue the promotion of their qualities. Some mushrooms are relatively easy to grow according to Jim but once an environment is selected they should be introduced to a strict gardening regime and the correct conditions must be provided in order for them to grow. Yet again mushrooms, depending on the species can be grown by using spores, spawn or by using mushrooms and will take an average of two to three months to reach maturity. According to Jim, he wants us to understand the multiple benefits of this lovely fungus family. Their growth should be encouraged, as beneath our feet is their environment. This is where “mycelium” - simply put this is where they absorb nutrients - occurs and the plant progresses. Even if you don’t see a mushroom growing in your garden apparently your garden will still reap benefits but there are things that must be done to ensure its life. Soil must not be rowed or tilled and basically Jim says don’t put anything in your soil that you won’t put in a glass of water to drink. That’s a positive and unforgettable way to think about your soil. Such products like pesticides that big companies say we should use because it does this and that will only end up killing your soil because they are often harmful and it ultimately affects the ecosystem. I think we should do whatever it takes to protect what we have and our gardens are a great place to start. If you’re not one to garden because you don’t have the time or skills, local farm markets are an affordable option (although growing your own food is better and cheaper) where you can find mushrooms. It will give you the chance to talk to the farmer and gain insight on how they are grown and maybe even obtain a few recipes or ideas. On speaking about Feed Denver and other organizations who are taking the step forward to educate and train, Jim is excited about their development and believes they provide a real opportunity to build communities and get them in touch to share, grow and learn. Not only that but they give insight to the things that are becoming important in Denver. He appreciates their existence. Jim has an upcoming class about Mushrooms for Health: Food, Medicine and Soil on April 9th, 2011 so if anyone is interested in starting their own mushroom venture please feel free to visit Feed Denver’s classes and events page to register. It will be informative and a class not to miss because this is where he will be able to share recipes and other ideas with you.